By Spy Uganda
Kampala, Uganda – On Tuesday evening, His Excellency Mourad Amokrane, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Republic of Uganda, hosted a grand reception at his residence on Plot 27 Kyadondo Road, Kampala, to commemorate the 71st Anniversary of the Algerian Revolution of 1954.
The Guest of Honour was Her Excellency Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda. The event attracted several ambassadors, pan-Africanists, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, investors, and well-wishers of Algeria.
In his remarks, Ambassador Amokrane paid tribute to the 1.5 million Algerians who sacrificed their lives during the country’s eight-year struggle for independence from French colonial rule. He further highlighted Algeria’s enduring role in promoting peace, unity, and development across the African continent.
Vice President Alupo, in her address, commended the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and Algeria, noting that both nations continue to benefit mutually in various sectors. She cited Algeria’s recent decision to import Ugandan milk as a significant boost to Uganda’s agricultural sector and a demonstration of practical cooperation between the two nations.
The colorful celebration underscored the deep historical ties and growing partnership between Uganda and Algeria.
History of the Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962)
The Algerian War of Independence was one of the most brutal anti-colonial struggles of the 20th century. It was fought between France and Algerian nationalists seeking to end 132 years of French colonial rule.
Background
France colonized Algeria in 1830, and by the early 20th century, the colony was deeply unequal. About a million European settlers known as pieds-noirs enjoyed full rights and controlled most land, while over nine million indigenous Algerians were denied political and economic equality. Growing resentment led to the rise of nationalist movements, particularly after World War II, when many Algerians who fought for France returned home expecting reform but found continued repression.
Outbreak of War (1954)
The war officially began on the night of November 1, 1954, when the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN) launched coordinated attacks across Algeria. This date became known as Toussaint Rouge (“Red All Saints’ Day”). The FLN called for Algerian independence, unity, and an end to French domination.
France responded with overwhelming military force, deploying hundreds of thousands of troops and declaring the FLN’s actions as terrorism rather than legitimate resistance.
The war was marked by guerrilla warfare, terrorism, and brutal counter insurgency tactics. The FLN fought mainly from rural areas, relying on hit-and-run tactics, sabotage, and propaganda. The French army used torture, collective punishments, and mass arrests to suppress the rebellion.
A particularly notorious episode was the Battle of Algiers (1956–1957), where the FLN organized bombings and assassinations in Algiers, prompting severe repression by French paratroopers. The battle became a symbol of urban insurgency and colonial brutality.
International Pressure and Political Change
By the late 1950s, international opinion turned against France. The FLN gained diplomatic support from the Arab League, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations. Meanwhile, the war divided French society—many French citizens and intellectuals condemned the atrocities, while others insisted Algeria was inseparable from France.
In 1958, amid growing instability, Charles de Gaulle returned to power. Initially, he sought to preserve French Algeria but gradually recognized that independence was inevitable.
Towards Independence
Negotiations between the FLN and the French government began in 1961, culminating in the Evian Accords signed on March 18, 1962. These accords granted a ceasefire, self-determination, and independence for Algeria.
A referendum in July 1962 confirmed overwhelming support for independence, and on July 5, 1962, Algeria was officially declared independent.
Consequences
Over one million Algerians and about 25,000 French soldiers are estimated to have died.
Nearly 800,000 European settlers (pieds-noirs) fled to France.
The war left deep psychological scars and strained Franco-Algerian relations for decades.
Algeria emerged as a leading voice in the Non-Aligned Movement and Pan-African solidarity. This is the reason the Algerian Ambassador to Kampala H.E Amokrane called on friends of Algeria last night to toast in commemoration of the great strides so far. They deserve to celebrate.
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